The first time I applied for a grant, I almost did not submit it. I had spent two hours on the application, got to a question about my "educational objectives," and froze. I wrote something like "I want to get a degree so I can get a better job." Then I stared at it for ten minutes, convinced it sounded stupid, and almost closed the tab.
I submitted it anyway. And I got the grant.
Looking back, the biggest thing that almost stopped me was not the application itself. It was everything I did not know going in. The process is full of hidden steps, unwritten rules, and assumptions that nobody bothers to explain. So let me explain them.
$3.75 Billion Is Sitting There Unclaimed
Before I get into the specifics, I want you to see this number. Because every time I feel overwhelmed by the grant process, this is what pulls me back in.
Grant Money Left on the Table Every Year
$3.75 billion dollars. Every single year. That is not a typo. That is real money, allocated by the federal government, that nobody claims because eligible students never file a FAFSA.
What They Do Not Tell You vs What Is Actually True
Most of the fear around grants comes from bad assumptions. Here is what I believed going in, and what I learned was actually true:
| What You Think | What Is Actually True |
|---|---|
| "I make too much to qualify" | The Pell Grant income threshold is higher than you think, especially with dependents. The average award is $4,007/yr. |
| "Grants are only for 18 year olds" | There is no age limit on the Pell Grant. I was 34 when I got mine. Rankin Foundation is specifically for women 35+. |
| "The application is impossible" | FAFSA takes about 20 to 30 minutes if you use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. Most grant apps are 1 to 3 pages. |
| "I have to write a perfect essay" | Grant reviewers want honesty, not perfection. My winning essay was 4 paragraphs about why I needed to finish school for my daughter. |
| "You have to pay grants back" | Grants are free money. They are not loans. You do not pay them back as long as you meet basic enrollment requirements. |
| "There is only one grant to apply for" | You can stack grants. Federal + state + school specific + private. Many women cover 100% of tuition this way. |
Want to See What You Actually Qualify For?
Stop guessing. My free grant finder matches you with real grants based on your specific situation. It takes about 2 minutes and I will send you a personalized plan with deadlines and documents.
Find My GrantsThe Mistakes I Made (So You Do Not Have To)
I waited too long to file my FAFSA. Many grants are first come, first served. The earlier you file, the more money is available. File as soon as the FAFSA opens (October 1 for the following school year).
I only applied for one grant. I thought the Pell Grant was the only option. I missed out on a state grant and a school specific grant my first year because I did not know they existed. My second year, I stacked three grants and paid $0 out of pocket.
I did not call the financial aid office. I was too embarrassed to ask for help. When I finally called, the person on the other end walked me through everything in 15 minutes. They do this all day. They want to help.
I almost gave up on the FAFSA. The form asked for my tax information and I panicked. Then I discovered the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, which auto fills your tax data. It took 22 minutes to finish the whole thing after that.
What to Say When You Call the Financial Aid Office
This is the part that trips up most women. You know you should call, but you do not know what to say. Here is a script you can use word for word:
"Hi, my name is [your name]. I am thinking about coming back to school and I wanted to ask about financial aid options for someone in my situation. I am [your age], I have [number] kids, and I am working [full time/part time/not currently working]. Can you tell me what grants or aid I might qualify for? I have already filed my FAFSA / I have not filed my FAFSA yet."
That is it. They hear this call every day. They will take it from there. If they seem rushed, ask: "Is there a time I could call back when you have more time to walk me through this?" They will appreciate you asking.
Best time to call: Tuesday through Thursday, 10am to 2pm. Mondays and Fridays are busiest.
The FAFSA Is Not as Hard as You Think
I know the FAFSA feels like a monster. It felt that way to me too. Here is what you actually need:
- Your Social Security number
- Your tax return from the previous year (or use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to auto fill)
- Records of any untaxed income
- Your bank account balances
- A list of the schools you are considering
That is it. You do not need perfect answers. You can update your FAFSA after you submit it. And if you get stuck, you can call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) and a real person will walk you through it.
Need Help Figuring Out Your Next Step?
If you are not sure where to start, my benefits check will show you what government programs you qualify for, and my grant finder will match you with free money for school. Both take about 2 minutes.
Check My BenefitsThe One Thing I Want You to Remember
The grant process is not designed to be easy. But it is not designed to keep you out either. It is just poorly designed, like most government things. The money is real. The opportunity is real. And the only thing standing between you and free funding is a form that takes less time than watching an episode of your favorite show.
I almost let fear stop me. I almost closed the tab. I almost convinced myself I would not qualify. And then I submitted the application anyway and got $6,800 in free money that year.
Do not leave your money on the table. There is $3.75 billion out there right now with nobody's name on it. Some of it could be yours.
If you need help getting started, use my grant finder. I will match you with real grants, give you a document checklist, and walk you through every step. You can also connect with women who have been through it in our community. Before you start, make sure you have every document you need in one folder. And if you need to make a phone call, I have exact scripts for what to say.
If you are looking for the full picture on funding your return to school, read our complete guide to grants for women going back to school.
You got this,
Elera
Sources: NerdWallet analysis of Federal Student Aid data, 2023; National College Attainment Network (NCAN), 2022; National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), 2023; Federal Student Aid Annual Report, FY2023; College Board, Trends in Student Aid, 2023.
